There are many creative initiatives in Powell River striving to address the economic challenges the community is facing. Numerous people and organizations are committed to ensuring Powell River remains a place where individuals, families and the natural world can thrive, even in the face of local and global economic obstacles. Continued collaboration among the many interested parties is a promising and proactive way to move forward during what can be difficult times.
On September 14 there will be another such opportunity for those interested in the economic resilience of the community to gather and explore possibilities. Katherine Gibson, an economic geographer, will be travelling here from Australia to discuss ideas from her recently co-authored book, Take Back the Economy: An Ethical Guide to Transforming Our Communities. Gibson has done participatory action research projects in such diverse places as Philippines, Papua New Guinea and throughout Australia. She has a great deal of experience in rural communities and a deep understanding that each place is shaped by its own unique set of social, physical and political factors, factors that also guide the approaches to addressing issues that each community faces.
Her approach is one which draws on experiences around the world, but which emphasizes the expertise and resources that exist within each community. It also emphasizes the roles citizens play, rather than relying entirely on policy changes. Finding creative ways of adapting to change is at least as much about strengthening and organizing what is already working in the community as it is about developing new practices to face changing circumstances. It is also about “…showing people the diversity of relationships they have and economic practices that they are already involved in,” Gibson said. “Once you see that diversity, once you audit it, once you actually own it, it does suddenly transform things about what you can do.”
Co-sponsored by Powell River Voices, Vancouver Island University, Townsite Brewing, First Credit Union and the Taos Institute, this event will begin with a talk and discussion period from 2 to 4 pm on Saturday, September 14 at the Patricia Theatre. From there, participants are invited to stroll across the street to The Hub 101 for an informal meet and greet with Gibson and to connect with each other and some of the work that is already taking place in this community.
Interested readers who would like to pre-order Gibson’s book should contact Breakwater Books and Coffee, 604.489.0010 or info@breakwaterbooks.com.
Understanding the community as part of the broader provincial context is also important. With this in mind, there will be a follow-up community dialogue taking place on Tuesday, October 1, as part of Simon Fraser University’s Public Square 100 Community Conversations project, which will explore possibilities for BC’s economic future.
To find out more about Gibson’s event, interested readers can visit the PR Voices Facebook page or email janet.newbury@gmail.com.
